Internet access in Romania is relatively free, and the government doesn’t regularly censor content or monitor citizens online. But for residents of the picturesque country and those traveling abroad or planning a visit, the need for a VPN in Romania is paramount.
Hackers, identity thieves, and other cybercriminals looking to steal or use your data are crawling in the underbelly of the country’s thriving tech scene. Plus, you’re cut off from much of the content back home when you visit Romania. That’s also the case if you’re a citizen taking a trip overseas.
Good thing a virtual private network handles all these issues. However, they’re not all on the same level. This article highlights and discusses the best VPNs for Romania and what makes them stand out.
The Best VPN for Romania — Our 5 Picks of 2024
There are loads of VPN services out there, but we cut down to five options you should consider. Each provider on this list offers a great blend of performance, reliability, and, most importantly, privacy and security.
We focused on premium providers. While there are a few decent free VPNs, we recommend sticking to paid alternatives. Later on, we’ll briefly explore the reasons why.
Without further ado, here are the best VPNs to use in Romania in 2024.
1. ExpressVPN
- Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands.
- Server count: 3,000+ in 94 countries, including Romania.
- Standout feature: TrustedServer technology.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, routers, browsers, gaming consoles, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Up to 8 devices on 6 and 12-month plans.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days.
It’s no surprise that ExpressVPN is the best Romanian VPN, as it’s something of an industry benchmark. The provider runs a network comprising over 3,000 servers spanning 94 countries, with Romania a part of them.
They are high-speed servers, consistently providing speedy connections even if you’re connected from a far distance away. In fact, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN service on the market and has been for a while. Streaming videos in UHD or generating downloads quickly is no issue, even though the provider has no specialized servers.
In addition, it doesn’t have a hard time getting past geo-blocks. From outside Romania, you can follow along with your favorite content on Kanal D, Digi24, or other local platforms, in spite of the territorial restrictions they have on them. Similarly, ExpressVPN widens your options on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other popular services.
ExpressVPN is serious about protecting your privacy. It secures your online traffic with AES 256-bit encryption, the cipher trusted by governments and security agencies worldwide. A kill switch prevents accidental data leaks and the VPN bolsters that with airtight DNS leak protection.
You can rest assured that ExpressVPN will not hand over your data to authorities or advertisers, thanks to a strict logless policy and groundbreaking TrustedServer technology. And if you’re especially privacy-conscious, the service provides several other advanced features.
ExpressVPN offers easy-to-use apps across a wide range of platforms and devices. With MediaStreamer, it works on devices that ordinarily don’t support VPNs. A single account lets you protect up to eight devices at once.
Should you need assistance, 24/7 customer support channels are always available to provide help. Plus, ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the VPN in Romania (or anywhere else) completely risk-free.
Learn more about the provider in the full ExpressVPN review.
2. CyberGhost
- Jurisdiction: Romania.
- Server count: 9,600+ servers in 91 countries, including 143 in Romania.
- Standout feature: In-house managed NoSpy servers.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, browsers, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Up to 7 devices.
- Money-back guarantee: Up to 45 days.
CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for Romania — and it’s not just because that’s where it’s based.
It has the most prominent presence in Romania, with 140+ servers in Bucharest. That translates to high performance and reliability for users looking to get a Romanian IP address. Outside Romania, the VPN has locations in 90 other countries worldwide.
If you’re heavily into streaming, torrenting, or online gaming, you may want to give CyberGhost a closer look. It has dedicated servers for each of those activities, so you can experience fast speeds and low latency without worrying about lag or buffering.
CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers provide unrestricted access to your favorite content libraries, whether it’s the latest Netflix series, exclusive Amazon Prime documentaries, or region-locked Disney+ movies. You’re just as likely to catch up with the latest Romanian news videos on Digi24 from your hotel room halfway across the world.
Connect to a CyberGhost server, and you never have to worry about hackers intercepting or stealing your data. Its automatic Wi-Fi protection feature activates the VPN when it detects a new public network, even if you forgot to turn it on.
Besides, it scrambles your data with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. CyberGhost also comes with a kill switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. It uses RAM-only servers that wipe clean when shut down, so the VPN cannot keep logs on your sessions.
The provider’s apps are user-friendly and intuitive. You can install them on your computer and smartphone, and it extends support to routers, set-up boxes, and game consoles. CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous device connections on one account.
If you need any help, customer care representatives are available around the clock. You can try the Romanian VPN for up to 45 days before sticking with it or requesting a refund.
Want to know more? Read our comprehensive CyberGhost VPN review.
3. NordVPN
- Jurisdiction: Panama.
- Server count: 5,800+ servers in 60 countries, including 20+ in Romania.
- Standout feature: Custom NordLynx protocol built around WireGuard.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook, routers, gaming consoles, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Up to 6 devices.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days.
The feature-rich NordVPN stands out with its impressive server network, boasting over 5,800 servers across 60 countries. That includes more than 20 servers in Romania, ensuring you can browse the internet as if you were a local.
The provider’s server infrastructure and unblocking capabilities offer users a ton of options for accessing a wide range of content and websites. Whether you’re keen on streaming your favorite shows on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, or Romania services, NordVPN makes it as easy as connecting to a server in your target country.
As for connection speeds, only ExpressVPN consistently sits ahead. The proprietary NordLynx protocol, built around WireGuard, is designed for optimal performance without compromising security.
Besides, NordVPN runs high-bandwidth, 10 Gbps servers optimized for smooth performances. You get to stream videos in 4K or higher while experiencing no buffering.
With a NordVPN subscription, your browsing habits and data are exclusive to you alone. The provider employs AES-256 encryption to protect your data from snoopers. RAM-based servers automatically erase data after each reboot, guaranteeing maximum privacy. Plus, with its audited no-logs policy, NordVPN ensures you leave no trace of your online activities when using the tool.
NordVPN’s security set also includes a kill switch to serve as a fail-safe mechanism if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. A multi-functional Threat Protection feature shields you from trackers, malware, and other online threats.
NordVPN works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and a host of other devices. A total of six devices can be connected simultaneously using one account.
A 30-day money-back guarantee backs up your purchase. On the off chance you’re unimpressed by the service, you can request a refund within that period and get your money back. For any inquiries, you can shoot the provider an email or get in touch directly with an agent via 24/7 live chat.
Read more about this reliable VPN for Romania in our detailed NordVPN review.
4. Surfshark
- Jurisdiction: The Netherlands.
- Server count: 3,200+ in 100 countries, including Romania.
- Standout feature: Nexus with SDN technology for multiple server connections.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, browsers, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited devices.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days.
If pricing is a deciding factor in choosing a service, you should consider Surfshark. The best budget VPN for Romania, it offers great value for your money while packing an impressive feature set under the hood.
Surfshark’s collection of servers comprises 3,200+ in 100 countries, including Romania. That includes specialized P2P servers that are optimized for secure and fast torrent downloads and seeding.
Surfshark is excellent at circumventing geo-fences on websites and online services. Whether you’re a Romanian resident, traveler, or an expat living abroad, you can access geo-restricted content locally and internationally.
This includes streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies from within Romania. Geo-blocks on home-based TV platforms and streaming services are also easily bypassed. That way, you can watch the news, sports, and entertainment from the country when you’re away.
Cheap pricing notwithstanding, Surfshark places a strong emphasis on user security and privacy. It implements bank-level AES-256 encryption to protect your online activities from prying eyes. It also operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store any information about your online behavior on its servers. That policy has undergone independent auditing to prove it’s airtight.
If you need extra security, features like MultiHop and Camouflage Mode make it incredibly difficult for anyone interested to trace your online activities back to you.
We especially like that one subscription covers all your devices, which makes Surfshark an excellent option for large households. The VPN is compatible with desktops, smartphones, routers, and a host of other devices.
Surfshark’s refund policy lasts for a month, so you have ample time to make up your mind about committing. You can reach a customer support representative through email or live chat channels.
Read the full Surfshark review to learn more about its features.
5. Private Internet Access
- Jurisdiction: The United States.
- Server count: Servers in 84 countries, including Romania.
- Standout feature: Choice between AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, gaming consoles, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited devices.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days.
Private Internet Access is another solid Romanian VPN, especially when you consider its network size, privacy toolkit, and affordable service.
The provider stands out for its massive number of servers, which exceeds the total of the other providers on this list of the best VPNs for Romania combined. They’re spread across 84 countries, including Romania. PIA is quite US-centric, with servers in each state. However, there’s more than enough to go around.
They include dedicated servers for streaming. You don’t need them for watching Romanian news, movies, and shows on Pro TV and other local services, as Private Internet Access easily bypasses geo-restrictions on those platforms. It doesn’t breeze past those on more popular streamers, however. That said, you can access the U.S. Netflix library, watch Prime Video, and more.
PIA won’t beat ExpressVPN or NordVPN across a series of speed tests, but you get decent connection speeds nonetheless. You can stream in 4K resolution and download files fast, especially when you use WireGuard and are connected to nearby servers. Latency labels on the provider’s servers make it easier to pick faster connection options.
The VPN lends credence to its name, pulling out all the stops to keep your online presence and data private. It offers industry-standard features, like a kill switch, leak protection, and AES 256-bit encryption. PIA is highly tweakable, so you get AES 128-bit encryption as an option for better performance.
We like its MACE feature, which is pretty effective against ads and malicious websites. Its headquarters is in the United States, a principal 5 Eyes Alliance member country. However, in court and through a third-party audit, the provider has proven it doesn’t store connection logs on its servers.
Private Internet Access is widely compatible, offering support for the major platforms as well as game consoles, streaming devices, and Smart TVs. Just like Surfshark, there’s no need for multiple subscriptions as the provider places no limits on simultaneous connections.
You get up to 30 days risk-free to decide if Private Internet Access works for you. You can request and get a refund within that period if you find it doesn’t.
Visit our PIA review to learn more. Or see how it differs from some of the best VPNs for Romania in our PIA vs NordVPN analysis.
How We Ranked The Best VPN for Romania — Our Methodology
We curated this list of the best VPNs to use in Romania because we appreciate how difficult it is to settle on the right service with so many out there. We ran tests on dozens of providers, assessing their performance on a set of metrics. Here are the major factors that made up our criteria:
Privacy and Security
You may not have much to fear from the Romanian government, but hackers and other cybercriminals are a different matter. The services in this selection all come with robust built-in features designed to secure your sensitive information.
They include high-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy. Building on that, they also offer advanced functionality.
Speed and Performance
Consistently fast speeds are essential for a VPN to deliver reliable connections. We regularly conduct speed tests to recommend those that offer blazing-fast services. While using a VPN service will inevitably impact your original speed to some extent, the best VPNs for Romania minimize performance drops.
VPN Server Network
More servers generally mean lower chances of slowdowns and congestion, resulting in stable and reliable connections. An extensive network also helps users inclined towards streaming access restricted content. We favored VPNs with servers in Romania.
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
Because of licensing agreements, streaming services often restrict their content libraries to specific regions or countries. In addition, some websites and online services limit their content to specific regions.
The VPNs on this list are highly effective in bypassing these restrictions, allowing you to enjoy exclusive content. This means you can stream Romania-specific videos from anywhere and vice versa, expanding your online content options.
User Experience
Each provider offers user-friendly experiences with dedicated applications for all major platforms and devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more. They also feature intuitive interfaces.
Customer Support
The providers in this list offer responsive and knowledgeable customer support around the clock. This ensures they can promptly address inquiries and assist with any difficulties that arise, regardless of your time zone.
Money-Back Guarantee
A VPN subscription plan should live up to its claims. If it falls short, a money-back guarantee allows you to request a refund within a validity period. We looked for a validity period of at least 30 days, particularly for longer-term plans.
Why You Need a VPN for Romania
Romania may be a privacy-friendly country, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely safe online. While cybersecurity has experienced significant growth in recent times, cybercrime is still prevalent.
Hackers, identity thieves, and others lurk on unprotected public networks, looking to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise your data.
A VPN acts as a barrier against several potential security threats. It encrypts and routes your data through a secure tunnel to a remote server. That ensures that even if your traffic gets intercepted, it would be a scrambled mess.
The process masks your IP address and grants you one assigned to the server. This comes with other benefits, such as helping you to bypass geo-restrictions on websites and online services. As a result, you can stream online content from different countries and regions that would ordinarily be blocked because of your location.
Can You Use a Free VPN for Romania?
While free VPNs may seem tempting, using one for Romania comes with significant drawbacks. The most significant threat arises from the compromise on privacy and security. Free VPNs may log your data, bombard you with ads, or even sell your information to third parties.
Even worse, their security features may be below par, potentially leading to data leaks and loopholes for cybercriminals.
What’s more, most free VPNs don’t have high-bandwidth infrastructure or speedy protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN. As a result, performance is often poor. More often than not, they significantly slow down your internet connection and make it difficult to use certain online services. Restricted bandwidth caps or data limits mean they are usually impractical for activities like streaming or torrenting.
We recommend that you invest in a reputable paid VPN service instead. If pricing is a significant concern, you could opt for a cheap VPN provider.
Conclusion
The Romanian government isn’t big on censorship or monitoring citizens’ online activities and communications. But that doesn’t mean you’re home-free. Rising rates of cyber attacks mean your data privacy is at risk from exploitation by hackers and other criminals. Plus, you’re severely limited in terms of the content you can access, whether you’re in Romania or away.
A VPN handles these issues and several others by masking your online activities and encrypting your data. The best VPN for Romania is ExpressVPN. It ticks all the right boxes, keeping sensitive information secure while offering blazing-fast connection speeds, reliable service, and helping you access blocked content.
FAQs
Are VPNs legal in Romania?
Yes, VPN services are legal in Romania. The country doesn’t have regulations limiting or prohibiting its use, and none are in the pipeline.
However, what you do with a VPN matters. You should not break local laws, with or without a VPN, as that could land you in legal trouble.
What is the best Romanian VPN?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Romania. It offers all-round quality service, delivering in terms of reliability, performance, unblocking, and privacy. While its pricing is on the high side, the provider is certainly worth what you pay for.
